Horror Game Developer: My games aren't that scary! Chapter 634: Cedrick Vale [1]

The world dissolved into pure white, a blinding light persisting in my vision for extended moments, obliterating all senses. Gradually, the overwhelming sensation receded, and I found myself back in the familiar confines of the game office. The space was eerily silent, devoid of any other presence. I surveyed the quiet surroundings with caution before finally settling into a chair.

"Haa."

A sigh escaped me, a wave of weariness washing over my body. Although it was merely a conversation, it had drained me more than I anticipated. It felt as though every word was a calculated risk, and a single misstep could have meant utter disaster. Yet, despite the allure of temptation, my resolve never faltered. My purpose was clear from the outset.

I glanced at the documents clutched in my hand, placing them gently on the table.Tap. Tap. My mind briefly replayed the exchange with Paimon, but I swiftly dismissed the thoughts, dedicating my complete focus to the papers before me.

"Perhaps I should take a look?"

I began counting the pages, noticing approximately twelve in total, each filled with a substantial amount of information. My eyes quickly scanned the contents before zeroing in on the first page.

"Oh?"

The page was incredibly detailed, and as my gaze swept across the text, an involuntary smile began to form. This was especially true when my eyes landed on the name inscribed on the document.

"...So, that's your name."

Found you~

***

Milia.

Situated on the fringes of the Central Island, a mere few hours' flight away, Milia was an island of moderate size, once boasting a population of up to three million. What distinguished Milia from many other satellite islands was the prominent presence of four King-Grade Guilds, complemented by a number of Queen-Grade Guilds. Among these, the Cloud Reverence Guild stood out, its influence overshadowing the others.

While not on par with the guilds of the Oak Circle or the top five, it was nonetheless a significant organization, regularly participating in the World Congress. Currently, a meeting was underway within the Guild's headquarters.

At the forefront stood a tall man with short, dark hair and a well-maintained physique, his posture erect as he addressed the assembled guild members. "The present situation is rather precarious. Even though the World Congress has concluded, the sudden emergence of the Severed Stars Guild has created a void within the Oak Circle and the leading guilds. I fear the upcoming period will prove challenging."

"But how does this concern us?" a guild member inquired.

In response, the Team Leader stated, "Frankly, I am uncertain at this moment. We haven't observed any direct actions from the major Guilds yet, but it's only a matter of time before they make their move to absorb the Severed Stars Guild. Their foundation is simply too unstable." He then let out a sigh.

"Honestly, their performance in the World Congress was commendable. However, that very success might prove to be their undoing. I am quite sure the members of the Helios Vanguard Guild are displeased. Furthermore, I've heard their key member has extended his contract with them. I question if that was the most astute decision he could have made." The Team Leader sighed once more, feeling a sense of pity for the Severed Stars Guild's predicament.

The dominance exerted by the Oak Circle and the top guilds over the others was considerable. Although infrequent and never reaching the extreme levels seen with the Severed Stars Guild, lesser guilds had indeed attempted to break free from this control. Each attempt had met a similar fate: absorption or complete dissolution.

This was precisely why the Team Leader empathized with the Severed Stars Guild.

"But enough about them." His expression turned serious as he surveyed the room. "The reason for this meeting is the growing number of anomalies I've been observing around us. There have been numerous reports of individuals disappearing without a trace. Has anyone uncovered the cause?"

A profound silence followed the Team Leader's question, causing him to frown as he scanned the faces present. "Nothing...?" The silence persisted, stretching taut across the room. Just as the Team Leader was about to speak again, a soft yet resonant voice emerged from the crowd.

"...I have been looking into the situation."

All eyes shifted towards the source of the voice. "Cedrick?" The Team Leader tilted his head slightly, his gaze settling on a young man with tousled dark hair obscuring his features. He possessed a lanky build, and his clothes seemed a size too large, hanging loosely on his frame.

As a Team Leader, he was aware of Cedrick's existence. However, the same could not be said for the others, as Cedrick generally kept a low profile. His demeanor was rather unremarkable, and even his performance was consistently average. The fact that he hadn't been dismissed thus far was, in itself, something of a marvel.

’No, perhaps that’s a skill in itself.’

The Team Leader’s assessment of Cedrick was neutral; he viewed him as just another recruit, content as long as they didn’t perish or commit blunders.

"What have you uncovered?"

"...Well, it appears the individuals who vanished are all male. From my initial investigation, they disappeared from the vicinity of the western district."

"The Western District? That’s a rather impoverished sector. Are there any commonalities among the missing? Their age, for instance? Is their age consistent, or any other defining trait?"

The Team Leader was meticulous regarding specifics.

While such details might seem trivial initially, in circumstances like these, even minor information could contribute to a more comprehensive understanding down the line. No detail was too small to be disregarded, as any piece of information might illuminate the truth.

"Ah, affirmative."

Cedrick responded deliberately, a slight gesture of his hand brushing through his hair.

"Each of the victims falls within the age range of twenty to thirty years. Over the past month, a total of seventeen individuals have gone missing, and remarkably, they all share the same zodiac sign."

"Zodiac sign?"

The Team Leader showed surprise, his gaze fixed on Cedrick.

"And... which sign is it specifically?"

"Cancer."

Cedrick's reply was quiet.

"Their Zodiac sign... it's Cancer for every single one."

Silence descended upon the room as the Team Leader regarded Cedrick. He remained in that pose for a short duration, contemplating the unfolding situation, before finally giving a nod.

"Very well, your information is greatly appreciated. It will prove beneficial as we proceed."

He then shifted his attention to the assembled recruits.

"With seventeen people vanishing in merely the last month, it’s evident that this situation is grave. I am designating multiple teams to this investigation. Examine it thoroughly and ensure every aspect is scrutinized." The Team Leader paused, drawing a deep breath, and stated with gravitas, "I suspect we might be confronting a high-level anomaly."

His fingers tapped rhythmically on the table, his brow furrowed as he retrieved his mobile device. A brief glance at the screen was followed by another look towards the recruits, the phone held loosely in his hand.

"It appears another individual has disappeared. A code red has been declared."